5 Best AP Comparative Government and Politics Prep Books (2022)
Are you struggling with retaining information for the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam? Do you need an in-depth study guide to help you prepare?
Luckily, there are many resources out there that can help you ace the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam.
In this review, we’ve listed some of our top review books for the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam.
Table of Contents
- Best AP Comparative Government and Politics Prep Books
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Difference Between AP Comparative Government and Politics and AP U.S. Government and Politics?
- Is AP Comparative Government and Politics a History Class?
- What Is the Equivalent College-Level Course?
- Why Should I Take AP Comparative Government and Politics?
- What Are the Biggest Challenges Students Face in Taking AP Comparative Government and Politics?
- What Is the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam Format?
- What Kinds of Questions Will Be on the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam?
- I’ve Taken an AP Comparative Government and Politics Practice Test in My Prep Book. How Do I Calculate My Score?
- How Vital Are Test Prep Books for AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam Preparation?
- When Should I Start Using a Test Prep Book to Study for the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam?
- What AP Comparative Government and Politics Prep Books Should I Avoid?
- Conclusion
Best AP Comparative Government and Politics Prep Books
1. AP Comparative Government and Politics: With 3 Practice Tests
With practice questions and a thorough review, Barron’s AP Comparative Government and Politics is an excellent resource for exam preparation.
If you want a study resource that’s jam-packed with information, then Barron’s AP Comparative Government and Politics prep book should serve your needs. It provides an in-depth review of the material that’s likely to be on the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam, including all six countries: Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, and Nigeria.
Publisher: Barrons Educational Series
Year: 2020
Number of pages: 368 pages
Our Final Grade: A+
Pros
- 2 full-length practice tests
- 1 diagnostic test
- Glossaries of important terms and a country comparison chart
Cons
- Broad subject matter
2. AP Comparative Government and Politics 2019 & 2020 Study Guide
Test Prep Book’s AP Comparative Government and Politics review guide includes a comprehensive overview of each section of the exam.
Publisher: Test Prep Books
Year: 2019
Number of pages: 88 pages
Our Final Grade: A
In addition to review material, Test Prep Comparative Government and Politics Study Guide also contains practice questions with complete answer explanations. So when you answer a question incorrectly, you’ll learn why you got it wrong and identify what you should have done differently. The book also provides essential strategies to help you score high on the exam.
Pros
- Smart testing strategies
- Up-to-date information
- Lots of practice questions and answers with explanations
Cons
- Doesn’t include practice exams
3. 5 Steps to a 5: AP Comparative Government
Unlike other test prep books, 5 Steps to a 5 covers each topic in the style and depth required for the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Year: 2020
Number of pages: 320 pages
Our Final Grade: B+
McGraw-Hill Education’s 5 Steps to a 5 includes multiple practice tests that reflect the actual exam, elaborate answer explanations, study tips, how the College Board will calculate your score, and more.
Pros
- 3 full-length practice exams
- Lots of practice exercises with detailed explanations
- Strategies specific to each section of the exam
Cons
- Doesn’t cover everything in detail
4. AP Comparative Government and Politics Study Guide
Accepted, Inc’s AP Comparative Government and Politics Study Guide isn’t like other study guides because it provides a quick review of essential topics while being thorough at the same time.
Publisher: Accepted, Inc.
Year: 2020
Number of pages: 150 pages
Our Final Grade: B
Accepted, Inc’s AP Comparative Government and Politics Study Guide contains real examples, graphics, and information to help you prepare for the exam quickly. If you’re in a pinch and test day isn’t too far away, this prep book will be a valuable resource.
Pros
- 4 full-length practice tests
- Tips and strategies for a higher score
- Quick, yet detailed review
Cons
- May need another study guide for additional preparation
5. Sterling Test Prep AP Comparative Government and Politics
Sterling Test Prep’s AP Comparative Government and Politics exam prep book features a detailed review of essential facts, concepts, and theories regarding comparative politics.
Publisher: Sterling Test Prep
Year: 2018
Number of pages: 340 pages
Our Final Grade: B-
Sterling Test Prep’s AP Comparative Government and Politics review book covers comparative political principles and theories that will help you answer questions on the exam. Using the College Board’s current course curriculum, this review book will help you expand your knowledge of AP Comparative Government and Politics and serve as useful supplement text for your AP course.
Pros
- Clear and easy-to-understand format
- Developed by political science experts
- Adheres to College Board curriculum
Cons
- Doesn’t include practice tests
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between AP Comparative Government and Politics and AP U.S. Government and Politics?
AP Comparative Government and Politics focuses on the political systems of various countries. The six countries the curriculum covers are Great Britain, Mexico, Russia, India, Nigeria, and China. On the other hand, AP U.S. Government and Politics covers political theory and concepts solely in one country: the United States.
Is AP Comparative Government and Politics a History Class?
No, AP Comparative Government and Politics isn’t a history class. Instead, it’s a political science course that covers a wide range of topics regarding politics in the United States. Some of these topics include:
- Political structures
- National identities
- Civil society
- The judiciary
- Economic practices
- Political participation
Each nation has a rich history that influences how their unique political systems formed, which the course and exam cover extensively.
What Is the Equivalent College-Level Course?
The AP Comparative Government and Politics course is equivalent to a typical college-level introductory course in comparative government and politics.
Why Should I Take AP Comparative Government and Politics?
Learning about the different countries covered in the AP Comparative Government and Politics course is essential. That’s because those countries tend to be the focus of major events today and are influential around the world.
Comparing them with the United States allows you to gain a new perspective about government and politics in general.
What Are the Biggest Challenges Students Face in Taking AP Comparative Government and Politics?
Many students struggle with remembering the different systems of government and terminology. Even though most students taking AP Comparative Government and Politics have some background on the United States government and political systems, the systems in other countries differ dramatically. It takes practice, review, and comprehension to master country-specific vocabulary.
What Is the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam Format?
The AP Comparative Government and Politics exam contains two sections: multiple choice and free response. The multiple-choice section contains 55 questions, while the free-response section contains 8 questions. There are three types of questions in the free-response section, including:
- Short answer
- Conceptual
- Country-specific
What Kinds of Questions Will Be on the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam?
The AP Comparative Government and Politics exam will cover questions from the following units:
- Unit 1: Political Systems
- Unit 2: Political Institutions
- Unit 3: Political Culture
- Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems
- Unit 5: Political and Economic Changes
I’ve Taken an AP Comparative Government and Politics Practice Test in My Prep Book. How Do I Calculate My Score?
Once you’ve completed your practice test for AP Comparative Government and Politics, you can go online and use an AP Score Calculator.
When you’ve come up with a score, you’ll be able to see how well or (badly) you did on the exam. This will guide your studying and allow you to focus on areas you need to improve in.
How Vital Are Test Prep Books for AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam Preparation?
Because there’s a lot of information in the curriculum for AP Comparative Government and Politics, it will take tons of preparation and practice in order to master the subject material.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you use at least one test prep book to supplement in-class and textbook learning. It’s best to get some background knowledge on the subject first before diving into the review material.
When Should I Start Using a Test Prep Book to Study for the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam?
You should start using a test prep book to study for the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam as soon as you can. However, if you’re well-versed in the material, you may only need to use a review book towards the end of the course to brush up on your skills and refresh your memory of the concepts and key terms.
What AP Comparative Government and Politics Prep Books Should I Avoid?
You should steer clear of AP Comparative Government and Politics prep books that overgeneralize content. Also, avoid purchasing a review book that doesn’t provide clear, detailed answers to practice questions.
If you need extra practice and are lacking in some areas, try not to buy AP prep books that don’t contain practice tests. Otherwise, you won’t be able to test your knowledge. If you’re not able to see where you need extra practice, then you can’t increase your chances of passing the exam.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the ideal test prep book to help you prepare for the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam, you must know what works for you. Be sure to develop and adapt your study habits to fit your specific method for retaining information.
The books we recommended above should give you a good start on making the best choice As you decide, keep in mind that your test prep book should supplement classroom instruction and your textbook; you shouldn’t use it as the sole source of information
